LoopBe1 vs Alternatives: Which Virtual MIDI Driver Is Right for You?

How to Install and Configure LoopBe1 for WindowsLoopBe1 is a lightweight, virtual MIDI driver for Windows that creates a single internal MIDI port. It lets applications send and receive MIDI messages between each other without needing physical MIDI hardware. This is useful for routing MIDI from sequencers, notation programs, virtual instruments, or utilities (like MIDI translators) to other software on the same PC.

Below is a step-by-step guide to installing, configuring, and using LoopBe1 in a Windows environment, plus tips for troubleshooting and best practices.

What you need before starting

• A Windows PC (LoopBe1 supports modern Windows versions; check the developer’s site for latest compatibility).
• Administrator privileges to install drivers.
• The LoopBe1 installer (download from the developer’s official site).
• The applications you plan to route MIDI between (DAW, virtual instrument, MIDI utility, etc.).

Step 1 — Download LoopBe1

1. Open your browser and go to the LoopBe1 developer’s website (Tobias Erichsen or the official LoopBe1 page).
2. Download the latest LoopBe1 installer for Windows. The file is typically an executable (.exe).

Step 2 — Run the installer

1. Locate the downloaded .exe file (usually in your Downloads folder).
2. Right-click the installer and choose “Run as administrator” to ensure the driver installs correctly.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. Accept the license agreement and choose the default installation location unless you have a reason to change it.
4. When installation completes, you may be prompted to reboot. Restart if requested.

Step 3 — Verify installation

1. Open Windows’ Device Manager (press Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Expand “Sound, video and game controllers” or “System devices” depending on your Windows version. LoopBe1 may appear under “Audio inputs and outputs” or as a MIDI device—names vary.
3. Alternatively, open a MIDI-capable application (your DAW or a simple MIDI utility). In the MIDI device list, LoopBe Internal MIDI (or similar) should appear as both an input and an output device.

Step 4 — Basic configuration and routing

LoopBe1 itself has minimal configuration—it creates a single virtual MIDI port named LoopBe Internal MIDI (or LoopBe1). Configuration primarily happens inside the applications that will use the port.

Example setups:

• DAW → Soft Synth:

  • In your DAW’s MIDI output settings, select LoopBe Internal MIDI as the MIDI output for the track sending MIDI.
  • In your software synth’s MIDI input settings, select LoopBe Internal MIDI.
  • Arm the track or enable MIDI output as needed; MIDI from the DAW will route to the synth.

• Notation Software → DAW:

  • In the notation app, set its MIDI output to LoopBe Internal MIDI.
  • In the DAW, create a MIDI track and set its input to LoopBe Internal MIDI (enable input monitoring/record enable if you want to record the incoming notes).

• MIDI Translator/Utility → Any App:

  • Set the utility’s output to LoopBe Internal MIDI and the target app’s input to LoopBe Internal MIDI.

Note: Since loopback is internal, both sender and receiver must run on the same machine.

Step 5 — Advanced usage and tips

• Single port limitation: LoopBe1 offers one virtual MIDI port. For multiple virtual ports, consider alternatives (LoopBe30, loopMIDI, or other virtual MIDI drivers) if you need several distinct connections.
• MIDI timing: Virtual MIDI routing is generally low-latency, but some DAWs or USB driver issues can introduce timing variance. Ensure buffers and sample rates are configured properly in audio apps.
• MIDI channels and filters: Use MIDI channel routing or filter functions in your apps if you need to separate data streams (e.g., send channel 1 to one synth, channel 2 to another).
• Running as admin: If an application doesn’t see LoopBe1, try running that app as administrator (or reinstall LoopBe1 without admin depending on system permissions).
• MIDI Monitor: Use a MIDI monitor tool to inspect messages flowing through LoopBe1 during setup to verify connections and troubleshoot issues.

Troubleshooting

• Device not visible in app:

  • Restart the app after installing LoopBe1.
  • Reboot Windows if the device fails to appear in multiple programs.
  • Try running the host app with the same privilege level as the installer (e.g., as admin).

• No MIDI data passing:

  • Confirm sender’s output and receiver’s input are both set to LoopBe Internal MIDI.
  • Check MIDI channels—sender and receiver must agree or be set to “All Channels.”
  • Use a MIDI monitor to confirm messages leave the sender.

• Latency or dropped notes:

  • Lower audio buffer sizes if CPU allows.
  • Ensure no heavy background processes are interrupting real-time audio/MIDI.
  • Update audio interface drivers and ensure ASIO drivers are configured correctly.

Alternatives and when to switch

If you outgrow a single virtual port, consider:

• loopMIDI — create multiple virtual MIDI ports on demand.
• LoopBe30 — a paid alternative by the same developer providing more ports (if available).
• rtpMIDI or IAC Driver (macOS) — for network MIDI or built-in virtual ports on macOS.

Compare features (number of ports, latency, stability) to choose the right tool for complex setups.

Quick reference: common setups

• Host DAW → Software synth on same PC: Set DAW output and synth input to LoopBe Internal MIDI.
• Notation app → DAW (recording): Notation output → LoopBe1; DAW input → LoopBe1 (record-enable).
• MIDI processor (e.g., Bome MIDI Translator) → Target app: Translator output → LoopBe1; Target input → LoopBe1.

If you want, I can provide:

• A short troubleshooting checklist you can print.
• Step-by-step screenshots for a specific DAW (tell me which DAW).